Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing? A Practical Guide

In this guide

The occasional sneeze is nothing to think twice about. A cat sneezing repeatedly through the day, or over several days in a row, is a different matter, particularly with India's dust and seasonal pollen playing a bigger role than in many other places.

A single sneeze versus a sneezing bout

One sneeze, much like in humans, is often just a reaction to dust or a tickle in the nose. Repeated sneezing, especially in bouts of three or more, or sneezing that continues over several days, points to irritation or infection that is worth investigating.

Common causes

• Dust, incense smoke, and mosquito coils, all common irritants in Indian homes
• Upper respiratory viral infections, especially in kittens and cats from shelters
• Allergies to pollen, cleaning products, or scented litter
• A foreign object like a stray hair or grass awn caught in the nasal passage
• Dental disease affecting the roots of the upper teeth, close to the nasal cavity

Kittens need extra attention

Kittens, particularly those recently adopted from the street or a shelter, are especially prone to upper respiratory infections. Sneezing paired with eye discharge, lethargy, or reduced appetite in a kitten should be seen by a vet promptly, since kittens dehydrate and decline quickly.

When to book a vet visit

• Sneezing that persists beyond a week
• Discharge from the nose that is thick, coloured, or blood-tinged
• Sneezing from one nostril only
• Sneezing combined with lethargy, appetite loss, or laboured breathing

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